RE: Don't take it for granted

[mark@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Thanks for the best wishes.  There are many possibilities, but there are drawbacks.  The laser surgery for wet AMD almost always leads to a vision loss.  It might be in the future but for now if this medication helps, its the logical first step.  It may be down the road, but it is something we have followed.  Several other drugs are also possible, and as bad as an injection is, there is minimal risk of additional vision loss.

Second opinions are never a bad idea, but she works with more ophthalmologists, some of the best in the world, than you can shake a stick at.  I think her surgeon works with interns from the University, though I don't think he really teaches there.  He is of the perfect age.  Old enough to have experience and young enough for gifted hands to be at their peak.   I have no doubt her care is as good as one can ask for, and the knowledge base is around her to make the best possible decision.  In her case it is likely caused by the extreme nearsightedness.  Anyone else here have a glasses prescription of -19   ???  That I feel good about. 

Time will tell how this all plays out, but we all take the simple things for granted.  As the holidays approach, it was a good reminder as to how lucky most of us are these days.  There almost always is something to be grateful for and I have a great deal to have in that column.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: RE: Don't take it for granted
From: James Schenken <jds@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Wed, December 14, 2011 12:54 pm
To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students
<photoforum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

Mark:

 

Best wishes for your wife in this difficult situation.

Have you discussed laser treatment with your ophthalmologist?  Sometimes it can be an effective treatment for this condition.

Have you considered going to the nearest university health system for a second opinion?  There may be other options to consider.

 

James

 

From: owner-photoforum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:owner-photoforum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of mark@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Wednesday, December 14, 2011 1:24 AM
To: List for Photo/Imaging Educators - Professionals - Students
Subject: Don't take it for granted
Importance: High

 

As photographers we put a premium on sight.  We see things others don't.  We preserve things for others to remember.  We document the lessons of history in the hopes that future generations are not doomed to repeat them.

 

Yet don't forget to enjoy the moment.  This week I found out the wife likely has a form of Wet Age related Macular degeneration.  She may be looking at an injection in the eye once a month for life.  I am really hopeful the Affordable Care act is overturned because she would be the type that would be too expensive for many to consider it worth the cost for her to keep the sight in that eye.  Yes I have read all 2200 pages and the rationing board IS in there.  I am very worried she would be one of the first deemed too expensive to keep treating.

 

Some how right now, backing up Lightroom doesn't seem like such a big deal.  Yet I am going to try to get her to a really nice holiday light display.  Yet in a way its a good lesson.  Never take tomorrow for granted.  Take pictures with your camera, but also take them with your mind.  That needs no laptop, no hard drive, and can be accessed in an instant.